“The two older boys and he would play out in the backyard so they toughened him up pretty well … then we brought him to Landrum and put him in the hands of Coach Smith who did a great job taking his skill level to where it is now,” Dean said. “We were proud of Daniel even before basketball, but he made a mature decision in coming to Landrum and we’ve been glad to see him grow.”

Since coming to Landrum, Bridges has led the team in scoring and rebounding. He was named All-State and All-Region both years as well.

Smith said he expects Bridges to red shirt while he gains weight and works on defensive speed.

“Standing at 6’7 and being out on the wing, he’s going to be a real weapon,” Smith said of Bridges’ future with the Spartans.

His mother and father, meanwhile, are excited about the opportunity to be able to easily attend their son’s college games. Mother, Kelly, said USC Upstate was a great choice.

“I think it was the relationships he built with coaches and staff over the months they spent recruiting him that really made his decision,” Kelly said. “We’re happy to have him nearby. One of the Upstate coaches even said they’re hoping to draw some of the Landrum fans there to watch USC Upstate. I know a lot of the younger kids at Landrum who have watched him play are excited they are going to get to watch him play college ball and we are too.”